“December is … often a time of counting. Making it count, checking our list, watching the short hours of daylight. The year end knocks persistent on our doorstep, our growing children and aging elders continue on their time-bound journeys…. If we slow, who is to say those we love will slow with us?” — Marada Cook, Crown O’Maine Organic Cooperative

Happy Solstice, dear friends — on this longest night of the year, the lengthening light of day is a most welcome thought.